NHL's decisions on Stanley Cup Finals referees stir controversy
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The NHL just revealed the referees for the Stanley Cup finals. It seems like some fans aren't too happy with the choices, including the inclusion of Steve Kozari.
Kozari, who is in his 18th season in the NHL, has officiated 148 playoff games and four Stanley Cup finals over his career. Alongside three referees and a full team of linesmen, he's set to take on this prestigious role once again.
Referee Steve Kozari made the cut and will be working the Stanley Cup Final between @FlaPanthers and @EdmontonOilers. Here's the rest of the Cup Final officiating crew:
Joining Kozari are some known names in the league, with Jean Hebert being seen as a less controversial pick compared to Dan O'Rourke and Chris Rooney, who are also familiar faces to NHL fans.
Jean Hebert, Steve Kozari, Dan O'Rourke, and Chris Rooney will be the referees for the Stanley Cup final.
As reported by scouting the refs, this group of officials is one of the most experienced in the league. Despite being relatively young among them, Jean Hebert has already spent over a decade in officiating. Even worked a Stanley Cup final. He is also four games away from reaching a milestone, working 100 NHL playoff games. In addition O'Rourke and Rooney are both officiating their 7th Stanley Cup finals.
Jean Hebert #15; 13 seasons, 96 playoff games, 2nd Cup Final
Steve Kozari #40; 18 seasons, 148 playoff games, 5th Cup Final
Dan O'Rourke #9; 23 seasons, 199 playoff games, 7th Cup Final
Chris Rooney #5; 22 seasons, 167 playoff games, 7th Cup Final
Steve Kozari #40; 18 seasons, 148 playoff games, 5th Cup Final
Dan O'Rourke #9; 23 seasons, 199 playoff games, 7th Cup Final
Chris Rooney #5; 22 seasons, 167 playoff games, 7th Cup Final
Despite these achievements many fans have expressed dissatisfaction with these selections. Some have raised concerns about why Kozari, Rooney and O'Rourke were chosen for the finals. Enough so, Hebert has managed to avoid much of the criticism thus far.
How Kozari, Rooney and O'Rourke are final eligible with their egregious reffing is beyond me
Some fans are particularly worried about the refereeing in this series for a notable reason. Colin Campbell oversees NHL officials while his son serves as assistant manager for the Florida Panthers. This raises doubts, about whether they might be creating situations in favor of the Panthers during games.
How do you feel about Colin Campbell overseeing the refs while his son Greg is the AGM of FL?
"Campbell is required to analyze and assess, candidly and directly, the performance of every member of the Hockey Operations Department -including those of all on-ice officials,"
"Campbell is required to analyze and assess, candidly and directly, the performance of every member of the Hockey Operations Department -including those of all on-ice officials,"
We'll need to monitor the officials once the series kicks off this Saturday.
Source: House of Hockey
NHL makes controversial decisions about the referees for the finals
NHL makes controversial decisions about the referees for the finals
| POLL | ||
7 JUIN | 223 ANSWERS NHL's decisions on Stanley Cup Finals referees stir controversy Do you think the referees selected will do a good job during the Stanley Cup finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 101 | 45.3 % |
| No | 122 | 54.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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